News
Storm delays school start in the Var – Schools, nurseries and universities across the Var are closed today as violent storms are expected. Up to 150mm of rain is forecast, and all school transport is suspended. The school year will now start tomorrow, Tuesday, following similar action in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
New month, new rules – As always on the 1st of the month in France, several changes take effect. Over-60s can now choose progressive retirement, reducing hours while drawing part of their pension. Sick notes must use a new secure form, gas prices drop slightly, and blood donors with tattoos or piercings only need to wait two months. Newborn screening expands, and couples who are married or in a PACS will now be taxed separately by default.
New role for Raconnat Le Goff in Monaco – Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff has been appointed Monaco’s new Delegate for Attractiveness. She takes office on Monday 8th September, leading efforts to boost the Principality’s appeal. She previously headed Monaco’s Social Affairs and Health Department and played a key role during the Covid pandemic.
Hockney’s digital art heads to London – David Hockney’s 90-metre-long digital artwork A Year in Normandy will be exhibited at London’s Serpentine Gallery next spring. Created on an iPad during lockdown, the work captures peaceful countryside scenes in contrast to the chaos of the time.
Deschamps wedding in Nice – And finally, congratulations to Dylan Deschamps, son of France manager Didier Deschamps, who tied the knot in Nice over the weekend. Guests included footballer Marcel Desailly and TV host Nagui, with celebrations at the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat.
Business
France and Germany have pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs over EU digital regulations, defending Europe’s right to set its own tech laws. Trump had claimed EU rules unfairly target U.S. tech firms, warning of retaliation against any country imposing digital taxes or regulations on American companies.
French unions have agreed to hold nationwide protests on September the 18th against the government’s budget plans, pushing back from the originally planned date of the 10th of September. The strike comes as the government faces a key confidence vote on September the 8th, adding pressure to an already tense political climate.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed he will serve his full term until 2027, rejecting speculation about stepping down if his government loses the upcoming confidence vote. Speaking at a press conference Macron said, “the mandate given to me by the French people... will be carried out through to the end”.
Sport
Football – In the Premier League on Sunday Arsenal's cautious approach backfired as a late free-kick gave Liverpool a 1-0 win at Anfield. Meanwhile, here in the Principality AS Monaco edged past Strasbourg 3–2 in a thrilling match at Stade Louis II, thanks to a dramatic 96th-minute header from Takumi Minamino.
Formula One - Oscar Piastri has extended his championship lead with a composed win at the Dutch Grand Prix, as teammate Lando Norris retired from second place due to an oil leak. Max Verstappen took second, while rookie Isack Hadjar claimed a sensational maiden podium for Racing Bulls.
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant US Open run with a straight-sets win over Arthur Rinderknech, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4, reaching the quarter-finals without dropping a set.
Weather
Showers with moderate to strong winds are forecast. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco and Nice, 26 degrees in Toulon, 27 degrees in Cannes and 28 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 20 degrees along the coast. The outlook for tomorrow, mainly fine and sunny with highs of 28 degrees strong winds persisting in the Var and the west of the Alpes Maritimes.
Sunrise 06.54am Sunset 08.05pm
Beach weather
Today’s beach conditions along the Côte d’Azur, from Monaco to Nice and Cannes, are variable, overcast skies, strong winds and light rain increasing into the afternoon. Expect temperatures to reach around 25–27 °C by mid-afternoon. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, accompanied by breezy conditions.
And Finally
A baby girl born in Cereté, Colombia, was named Chat Yipiti in honour of ChatGPT. The unusual name was approved by the local registry. The choice sparked debate online, but Colombian law allows unique names unless they harm the child’s dignity. Similar unusual names have been popular before.
A shooting yesterday has left three men seriously injured, all with life-threatening conditions in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône. ...
Read More
The number of chikungunya cases transmitted by the tiger mosquito is rising sharply near Nice, particularly in Antibes. Since the start of the year, o...
Read More
The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reports 124 chikungunya cases in southern France as of Monday, with major clusters in the Var. ...
Read More
France is set for one of its biggest strike days in years as around 800,000 people are expected to protest nationwide today, Thursday 18th September, ...
Read More
A 19-year-old woman has been jailed for complicity in attempted murder after last week’s knife attack at a horticultural high school in Antibes, Alpes...
Read More
